The fastest way to renew in Connecticut

You can renew your Connecticut driver's license online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in about 15 minutes from home, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about an hour once you arrive, though wait times vary by location.

Connecticut lets you renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had it suspended or revoked, and you do not need to change your name, address, or other information on the license itself. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.

Your Connecticut driver's license is valid for eight years. The DMV will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website takes 15 minutes and costs $120 for an eight-year license, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can only renew online if your current license is not expired, has not been suspended or revoked, and you are not changing your name or address.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DMV, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and you can walk in without an appointment at most locations.
  • Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Go to ct.gov/dmv and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You will need your current Connecticut driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your identity using information from your existing license record.

During the online process, you will confirm that your address, name, and other information are correct. If anything has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must renew by mail or in person instead. Once you submit your process and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot, because you may need it if you contact the DMV later.

The renewal fee is $120 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the DMV, your license will go to your new address. If you have not updated your address yet, your license will go to your old address, and you will need to contact the DMV to have it reissued.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you need to send your current driver's license, a completed process form, and a check or money order for $120 to the Connecticut DMV. The process form is called the "process for Driver License" (form DL-43), and you can read it from ct.gov/dmv or request one by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700.

Mail your materials to: Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number so the DMV can match your process to your existing record. Do not send cash — only checks or money orders are accepted by mail.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you are moving soon, wait to renew until after you have updated your address with the DMV, or your license will go to your old address.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You can walk into any Connecticut DMV office without an appointment to renew your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof that you live at your current address, and $120 in cash or card. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it.

The DMV office will take a new photo and print your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely depending on the location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. The DMV does not publish wait times online, but you can call your local office before you go to ask how busy they are. A list of all Connecticut DMV office locations and phone numbers is on ct.gov/dmv.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your Connecticut license has expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — you will get a temporary license the same day and your permanent license in 7 to 10 days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.

An expired license is still valid proof of identity for the renewal process, so bring it with you or include it with your mail process. You do not need to take a new written test or road test to renew an expired license, as long as it has not been expired for more than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, contact the DMV to find out what steps you need to take.

If you need to change your name or address

If you have moved or changed your name since your license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease) and, if you changed your name, bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are renewing by mail and need to change your address or name, include copies of the supporting documents with your process. Write a note on your process form explaining what has changed. The DMV will process your renewal and issue a new license with your updated information.

If you only need to update your address without renewing your license yet, you can do that online at ct.gov/dmv or by visiting a DMV office. Updating your address does not cost anything and does not extend your license expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice. If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. Bring a replacement form of ID, such as a passport or state ID card. If you are renewing in person, the DMV can issue a replacement license and a new renewal license at the same time.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DMV office?

No. Connecticut DMV offices accept walk-ins for license renewal. You do not need to schedule an appointment in advance. However, you can call ahead to ask about wait times, and visiting on a weekday morning is usually faster than visiting on a weekend or late afternoon.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent license does not arrive within that time, contact the DMV with your confirmation number or temporary license number.

What if my address changed after I renewed online?

If you move after you renew online but before your new license arrives, contact the DMV right away with your confirmation number. The DMV may be able to redirect your license to your new address, but this depends on how far along your license is in the printing and mailing process. Call 860-263-5700 to explain your situation.